...about travel, costumes, gardens, music, and life

I strung together a bunch of the little snippets of video we took of Elena in Florida this summer, so if you want to know what it looks like for a phone, when a baby tries to eat it, or want to see Elena playing peek-a-boo, trying to crawl, or eating a nectarine, this is for you!

We had one last day of vacation, so we did a day of Disney, and picked Animal Kingdom, partly so we’d have more time to explore Pandora. Also partly because it’s the most shaded park. And thirdly because I manage to snag fast passes for the boat ride, not something we wanted to wait on a line for. I enjoyed … Continue Reading →

Getting near the end of our trip. Another day, another new swimsuit, since I was unable to control myself at Target. Another nap on mama too. Time for lunch and a dry swimsuit! Those thighs! Always a lady! Time to play in the sand! After her nap – we found her sitting! This was the first time she sat up … Continue Reading →

Day 6! Up for another morning walk – another day, another hat! Doug hung out with Elena at the condo while I went to the stores on Flagler Beach for coffee and shopping with my sisters-in-law and nieces. The nieces: Doug kept me updated while I was out! I saw this turtle on a box in one of the gift … Continue Reading →

Here’s the sunrise on Day 5 of our trip! Baby toes in ocean sand. I was dying to get a shot of this. And oh man, her feet are so much bigger now! She napped on me again by the pool. This is the life! Back to the ocean! Omg, it’s cold and dark and November now and I want … Continue Reading →

Day 4 started with our usual morning snuggles: That smile! Then some breakfast: We spotted a (land) turtle: Time to go swimming! We went to lunch at Cafe Verde again, because they are delicious. Also here is a random chicken: A blurry bibimbap pic: And blurry fried yucca. Why are my pics so blurry? I love this terrycloth playsuit we … Continue Reading →

Day 3 at the beach! More morning beach walks and cute baby clothes! Then it was time to get on a bathing suit and another hat (and chew on the wipes): We spent some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa! And then fell asleep on Dad’s shoulder: Nothing is better than a nap under a beach umbrella in the shade … Continue Reading →

Onwards to Day 2 at the Beach! Doug and I had company for our morning walk, this year, which was nice. Real bird: Pokemon bird: Then it was time to get changed for the pool! Oh my gosh, she is so tiny here. We bought her this huge pool float to keep her shaded, which I think she liked. Then … Continue Reading →

Our Florida family vacation in June was pretty great this year – instead of dealing with loss, we were able to bring Elena there, to one of our favorite beaches, and just enjoy being. Having a baby at the beach was definitely not as relaxing as usual, and I barely read (I usually finish a ton of books there), but … Continue Reading →

Our yearly family Florida vacation took place in August this year! And though we had a bad time here two years ago, we were returning successfully pregnant. We were a little nervous but I was pretty far along, so we hoped all would be well and we’d have a good family vacation this time. It did not start well. We … Continue Reading →

Last post was the Simpsons stuff at Universal – but we were really there to spend the afternoon at Diagonalley! Here is part 1 of my photos. And here’s a list of some of the Easter Eggs, or things to look for while you are there! https://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/hidden-gems-in-diagon-alley?utm_term=.bekOWOz3p#.ig64O461r You can see the main facade and the night bus here: Night Bus! … Continue Reading →

On our last day in Florida last April, we went to Universal, mostly to see Diagonalley. I was pregnant and couldn’t go on any of the rides, but we bought an interactive wand and had fun just exploring and looking for Easter eggs, of which there are many! Before we got to Diagonalley (which was nicely shaded and totally bearable … Continue Reading →